Disclaimer: Not mine, anything else you recognise probably isn't mine either but I never know for sure since I've read so many stories that I can't tell anymore whether or not it was my idea in the first place.

Author's Notes: See at the beginning of Chapter 05 since I posted the chapters 3, 4, and 5 together.

~...~ Parseltongue

/.../ Telepathy between Harry & Carya (in italics)

' ... ' thoughts

~*~*~ ... ~*~*~ Flashback or changing POV

Review Responses:

jnwun: Nah, it's not based on Draco but after he didn't get much attention in the last book I wanted to show his 'escape' from the 'evil' a bit more detailed. The main focus will always shift a little between several characters. You're right that this one is my version of the 'Chamber of Secrets'. I swapped the positions of book two and three for a couple of reasons.

I thought that a 13 year old (nearly fourteen at the end of the year) would have more of a chance against a basilisk anyway. Then there's also the little secret that I will have to keep until the end which made me decide on this course of action ^_^

You'll just have to wait and see, won't you? A little hint: look at the summary in my profile *grin* and you might get a clue.

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Chapter 03 - A New Home or Adjusting to New Developments

Draco shivered at the memories he'd just had and noticed that it was getting dark.

'How long have I been out here?' he wondered, 'I better get back inside. They'll be looking for me. I think I should give the whole thing a try. Perhaps we can make it a trial period or something like that.

One month for testing if we are able to get along? I really should ask Dumbledore about it,' he thought and went back inside to find the headmaster.

He found him near the Great Hall and asked if he could talk to him. Dumbledore agreed and the two of them left towards the Headmaster's office.

"Professor? I've thought about everything and made my decision. I think we should give it a try for a certain period of time. Perhaps a month or a couple of weeks. I want to make sure everyone involved is comfortable with the situation," Draco told him.

"Hm, you have a point there, my boy. Yes, perhaps this is the best idea. I'll write Mister Black and Lupin about this and inform you when they're going to collect you, okay?" the headmaster said and Draco nodded.

He hoped that everything would work out because that would mean he would be with his first real friends from now on, "Thank you professor. ... Eh, sir? Do you know why my father was so upset about the papers you showed him at first but then came back and signed them?" the boy asked.

"That is the one question about this whole affair, I cannot answer now, Draco. When you're older everything will be explained but not before your graduation. I'm sorry," Albus replied.

Draco sighed defeated and nodded slightly, "I understand professor. Well, I'll be in the Great Hall for dinner then."

Albus sat in his office and tried to compose a letter to the temporary guardians of Draco Malfoy.

'Dear Sirius, dear Remus,

Draco has agreed to your offer but asked for a trial period. I think that it is a fairly good idea. That way the five of you can get to know each other before a final decision is made. Are you sure the twins want him there?

The final decision will be made on the twins birthday, July 31st.

Yours sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore'

Dumbledore sent the letter with one of the school owls. At the same time Draco was wandering the empty hallways of Hogwarts thinking about his new 'family'. Later he went to his room to go to bed. He would make everything ready for his departure the next two days.

~*~*~ Black Manor - two hours later ~*~*~

Sirius and Remus sat in the library drinking tea when a tawny barn owl flew into the room. Remus recognised her as one of the school owls and immediately untied the parchment that was attached to her left leg. It was a letter from Dumbledore.

After reading it aloud so that Sirius could hear what he had written they both sat in silence for a few minutes. So Draco had agreed but only for a trial period. He seemed to be as apprehensive about this as they were. It might be a good sign but they couldn't be sure.

They decided to get his room ready the next day but they owled the headmaster about everything before they retired to bed.

'Dear Albus,

we'll set up everything and collect Draco tomorrow after lunch. We're looking forward to meeting him. Remus hopes he doesn't have problems with living together with a werewolf. Although it's quite safe with the new potion there are still things that need to be done as a precaution.

But from what I've heard he's smart enough to know all this, isn't he? And could you please tell him not to get his hopes too high? I know he's used to something bigger than my families ancestral home.

You know that Black Manor isn't that small but it is nowhere near what the boy is used to. So I thought it would be wise to warn him. See you tomorrow afternoon.

Yours sincerely,

Sirius Black

P.S. Remus asks if you have told Snape yet. Because if you haven't I will stay at home tomorrow.'

It was quite late when the two Marauders went to bed that night but they were somehow happy that their beloved godchildren would have the chance to get their friend back.

~*~*~ End Black Manor - two hours later ~*~*~

When the headmaster woke up on June 26th he found a letter waiting on his desk. It was a note from Sirius Black telling him when they would come for Draco. Albus went down to breakfast and waited for Draco to appear.

At eight Draco walked into the Great Hall. He seemed slightly sleepy but in a good mood.

"Good morning Draco!" said the headmaster cheerfully.

"Good morning, headmaster, professors," the boy replied politely even though he seemed far away with his thoughts.

Draco sat down at the table next to Filius Flitwick and Samira Sprout. He was almost finished with eating when the headmaster asked him to come to his office after breakfast and all Draco could do is nod.

Ten minutes later he sat on a chair in front of his headmaster once again. He didn't exactly know why but he was nervous.

"Lemon drop, Draco?" Dumbledore asked to cheer him up a bit.

Despite himself Draco took one and popped it into his mouth. He gave a small smile and waited for the headmaster to start.

"Well, you definitely have a new home for now, Mister Black and Lupin will come today after lunch to fetch you and your belongings. Do you think you could be ready by then or should I send one of the Hogwarts house-elves to help you?" the old wizard told his young charge.

"No, I think I'll manage. Eh, sir? What will happen on the full moon nights?" there Draco had said what had bothered him the most. It wasn't that he didn't like Lupin. He just feared the werewolf within him.

"That is taken care of, Draco. Mister Lupin is taking the 'Wolfsbane Potion' every month. Do you know about the potion?" Albus asked the boy.

"Eh, a bit. I overheard the Potter twins, Ginny and Hermione when they did that essay about werewolves last year," Draco told blushing slightly while admitting he had been eavesdropping on his friends.

"Ah, good, then you might know that he is not more dangerous then a tame wolf would be. He will be able to keep his human mind and as long you don't go into his room on those nights you'll be perfectly safe as will Harry and Carya once they arrive there. Does that answer your question?" the headmaster said.

"Actually it does. Thank you, sir! If you don't mind, I'll go to my room and start packing the rest," Draco replied and when the other wizard didn't object he made his way towards the exit. But before he finally left he turned around briefly and asked,

"Does my godfather know all this? I don't know if father told him but ... I don't think he'll be too happy about me staying with Sirius Black. Even if he understands why I left I doubt he'd actually accept my decision."

"I will tell him tonight after you have left Hogwarts. So you'll be safe from any mood he might get into," Dumbledore told him with the famous amused twinkle in his eyes, "He might be colder to you in class now because of the relationship of him and your father but I doubt he'll treat you any worse than he treats the Potters for instance.

You're still one of his Slytherins and we both know that he hardly ever deducts points from his own house. You might get detention sometimes but nothing worse. I'll keep an eye on that," the headmaster answered seriously but the infamous twinkle of his eyes was clearly there.

Dumbledore sighed inwardly. He so wished he could tell Draco the whole truth about his godfather but that could compromise the precarious situation his Potions Master was in. It was necessary to keep this a secret.

At least the boy now had his friends and hopefully two guardians who would care for him like they would for their own. His only fear was that Sirius would turn the kids into a new generation of Marauders who would be worse than the Weasley twins.

And that was very likely given Remus and Sirius past and Carya's as well as Harry's relation to James and Lily Potter. He desperately hoped this particular problem wouldn't start before the Weasley twins left school. It would possibly come to a prank war like during the Marauders time.

~*~*~ Meanwhile at Privet Drive No.4 ~*~*~

Carya and Harry were excited and sad at the same time. It was Saturday, June 26th and on Monday they would move in with their godfather 'Padfoot' and adopted 'Uncle Moony'. They were sad that they left the Dursley's as they were the only family they'd known for eleven years now.

But the joy about being able to live in the wizarding world was greater than the sadness of leaving the muggle world. They would visit them from time to time and try to frequently write letters. Since their birds were ravens who were quite common in the area their relatives didn't need to worry about someone noticing strange things around them.

The only thing the twins were worried about was Aunt Petunia. She was sick very often now and threw up in the mornings. And she was a bit moody these days. No one put two and two together but today she was going to the doctor to find out what was wrong with her.

Vernon had brought her to London and stayed while she was getting a health check-up. Dudley helped the twins putting their stuff together. Sirius and Remus would come over on Monday and shrink everything for them since they couldn't do magic at Privet Drive.

Firstly because it was forbidden for students in the holidays and secondly because there were too many muggles around who could notice. They just couldn't risk it. They had cleaned up their rooms by lunchtime and their aunt and uncle or in Dudley's case his parents still weren't back.

"I do hope Aunt Petunia is alright. She seemed really sick this morning," Carya said worried.

"Yeah, I hope that too. Mum was all moody the last few weeks. That isn't like her. I wonder what's wrong with her," Dudley remarked.

Harry just looked at them both. He was worried too but his twin had beaten him saying it out loud. Carya was getting hungry and decided to make something for them. So the boys continued packing and cleaning while she made some salad and sandwiches for the three of them.

She too prepared something for her aunt and uncle since they would probably be hungry when they got home. At three in the afternoon Uncle Vernon's car turned into Privet Drive and stopped in front of the house.

Both adults stepped out and looked odd. Petunia was practically glowing with happiness and Vernon just looked dumbstruck. The three kids ran downstairs to ask what the check-up results had been.

"Mum, dad! ... What's wrong with you, mum? It's nothing serious, is it?" Dudley asked worried.

Petunia only smiled at him and at the twins. Vernon just walked over to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a glass of scotch which he downed in one large gulp.

"Do you three remember that we wanted to expand the upper floor? To build a new room above the garage and storage room?" the woman wanted to know and when the children nodded she continued, "Well, we'll need to do it soon ...," she said mysteriously.

The children blinked and Carya was the first to grasp the content of what was hinted at.

"Holy Slytherin! You mean you're ... we're getting ... a new cousin?" she replied astonished and the boys looked at both of them wide eyed.

"Mum, you're having a baby?" Dudley inquired not really believing it.

But his mother nodded and the boys started to smile. Harry did because he was happy for his aunt. Dudley would be away for most of the year now and with a baby she wouldn't be that alone when they were all gone.

And Dudley thought nearly the same only that he was thinking about himself too. He knew that he would miss the twins terribly. They were his adopted siblings and his best friends but now he would have a little brother or sister again.

"Do you already know what it'll be, Aunt Petunia?" Carya asked and Petunia nodded.

"The doctor's fairly sure that it'll be a girl," she replied smiling and left towards the kitchen.

She was pleased and happy to see that the children had helped themselves to lunch and even thought about preparing something for her and her husband, too. Yes, her life would definitely be less boring or lonely now when her other kids were at school or their new home.

"Eh, Aunt Petunia ... what about the possibility that the little one is going to be ... a witch? It's very much possible because of Grandpa Evans being a Squib, you know?" Carya wanted to know.

"I might not like magic very much because I was always jealous of Lily but ... She got all the attention from our parents and I felt neglected but ever since we had you two my opinion has lightened quite a bit," she smiled,

"I would never give one of my children away only because they were, ... magical. Don't worry about that Carya," she continued.

The twins and Dudley smiled. It would be funny if his sister would be a witch. Sometimes he was a bit jealous of the twins. They seemed to have much more fun than him. It was a good thing that he had changed schools.

Smelting's was incredibly stern and boring and he already hated being there. The educational level was not that good anymore. Even Vernon had to agree to that. Eton was far better but he still thought it was a bit boring.

A few hours later the boys were playing a battle game on Harry's Playstation while Carya helped her aunt in the kitchen. The twins were glad that Sirius home had electricity. They could take all their things with them that way and actually use them too.

They only downside was - no internet connection right now but perhaps they could go around that problem someday.

~*~*~ End Meanwhile at Privet Drive No.4 ~*~*~

Draco was getting more nervous with each hour passing until noon. When they sat in the Great Hall for lunch he was fidgeting in his chair and looked quite tense. The teachers noticed but didn't ask him why. They just left the boy alone.

Thankfully Severus Snape wasn't in the Great Hall. He was down in his private lab brewing some potions for his personal store and the hospital wing. Dumbledore had told him that Draco would move in with his guardians today but again he didn't tell him who they were.

Instead the headmaster had asked him to stay away from Draco until the boy was gone. He had the distinct feeling that he wouldn't like meeting Draco's new foster parents. So he wisely stayed were he was and distracted himself with potions.

He had never imagined who would take care of Draco though. If he had he definitely wouldn't have stayed away from the Great Hall that day. At two-fifty two men walked towards the big oak doors of the Hogwarts main entrance.

They were greeted by Hagrid and led into the headmasters office were headmaster Dumbledore was waiting. Once they entered Albus sent a house-elf to tell Draco of their arrival.

"There you are. Good Afternoon Sirius, Remus! Lemon Drop?" Albus asked and the two men just shook their heads grinning at the headmasters question, "How have you been these days? Draco will be here shortly. Tea?" the headmaster continued and this time both adults nodded.

Ten minutes later they boy arrived there and found three grown men drinking tea and chatting happily. The young Malfoy just stood there chewing on his bottom lip and shifting on his feet.

They eventually acknowledged his presence Sirius blushed a bit and mumbled, "Sorry, got carried away!"

"Please sit down Draco. They don't bite," Dumbledore said jokingly and this time even Draco understood and smiled a bit. It was an awkward smile but a smile nevertheless.

"You have everything ready, Draco?" Remus inquired softly and the boy nodded, "Well then, I think we should leave now so Draco can get accustomed to our house a bit before dinner, okay?" he asked seeking approval from the other occupants of the circular office.

Once everyone had agreed the two Marauders left Hogwarts with Draco and portkey-ed to Black Manor.

~*~*~ Changing Main POV - Black Manor ~*~*~

The trio landed in the entrance Hall of Sirius' ancestral home. Draco looked around. It wasn't as big as Malfoy Manor had been but he somehow liked it better. The atmosphere was very different. With his parents it had always been dark and cold. This house felt full of warmth, life and everything he had ever wished for.

"Welcome to Black Manor, Draco. I hope you'll like it here. I think we'll give you a small tour first, then show you your new room and after that you can either do anything you want or just go exploring," Sirius said and was smiling warmly.

He wanted to make sure the boy felt welcome even if they knew about his father. Remus called for a house elf.

"Mikie!" he said and a small elf clothed in a clean and neat kitchen towel that was draped around her small body, "I need you to take Draco's things to his new room," he told the little creature.

"Aye, Master Remus. Mikie will do that immediately!" the elf exclaimed with a smile, grabbed everything except the wand Draco was carrying in his pocket and left with a soft 'pop'.

Draco looked confused. He had never seen anyone treat their house elves like this. It was an odd mixture of commanding and politely asking the elf to do things. It seemed weird in a way but Draco didn't say anything. Hell, his new 'temporary' guardians were weird too.

Sirius and Remus showed Draco everything of immediate importance like the study, the kitchens, the library, the backyard and the boys new bedroom. They would shown him the rest later if he wanted.

"If you ever get lost call for Mikie. She'll help you to find your way. There's one thing I must ask you not to do ever. If it's near the full moon, a week before and after, never go into the guest house at the other end of the property, okay?" Remus asked and Draco nodded.

He knew fully well what could happen if he disobeyed this one rule. And he certainly didn't want to find out what really would happen if he did. So far they had only given him the usual rules every parents gave their own children, well the perfectly normal parents.

"Ah, this here will be your new room Draco. If you don't like the colours you can always ask for help," Remus said and then leaned over and whispered into Draco's ear, "Just don't ask Sirius though, he might go and turn your room into a small version of the Gryffindor dorms."

All of this was said with a smirk and facial expression that made Draco wonder if Remus had been a Slytherin after all. As soon as they stepped into the room Draco looked around. He had expected something worse than this.

Although it was nowhere near his old room at his parents place it still was huge. The closet might be a bit too small for all his clothing but the rest was spacious enough to unshrink his entire belongings.

"Eh, Sir?" Draco began but Sirius cut him of.

"No titles Draco, okay? It's just Sirius and Remus here," he said and Draco nodded surprised.

"Eh, okay, Sirius. I need help with my things though. The special permission for doing magic in summer holidays has already expired and my things are still shrunken," the boy said.

The two Marauders looked at each other and turned to Draco with a mischievous look on their faces. "Draco, you should know that the Black's are just as much purebloods as your, eh, parents. They too have a long family history. This house is like most of the very old manors.

Ancient protections and some useful enchantments. As long as you don't have any malicious intent you can cast all spells you like here. And no one will know it. Your old home didn't have these since it had to be rebuilt after getting destroyed in a fire," Sirius explained grinning.

"It's rather useful sometimes. This was one of the things the twins were ecstatic about. Have you ever seen Carya grinning like mad? Or jumping around like an easter bunny? No? Then imagine it. It was quite funny to see her like that but don't tell her I said that," Remus continued with a smirk.

"I believe Dumbledore knows but then again, he can't do a thing about it. It's a very old enchantment and therefore still perfectly legal. Was quite useful when we were in school, don't you think Remy?" Sirius said thoughtfully and Remus was just smiling at him.

Draco didn't really know what they were talking about but if it was true what he had heard then it didn't surprise him. It was rumoured that Sirius and his friends belonged to the worst prankster group before the Weasley twins.

The boy was happy. He still could do magic during the summer. Life was definitely good to him just now. The two men didn't seem prejudiced in the slightest although he could tell they were a bit reserved but that didn't really bother Draco. He had been treated worse before.

'So the twins know about the spells. That is interesting,' Draco wondered, 'What else were they hiding. Perhaps I could even resume my secret training? I just had to find a secluded place for that. Would they leave me alone for a few hours sometimes if I asked not to be disturbed?

Well, I'll just have to wait how the things worked out between us. I can hardly believe that in one and a half day I'll be living in the same house as Harry and Carya. This is so strange that it seems like a dream. But it isn't, this is all real - fortunately for me!' he thought and started smiling.

The boy went over to his trunk which had been unshrunken by the house-elf and opened it. Carefully Draco began unshrinking his belongings and putting them on the shelves and into the various cupboards. Only a bit of his clothing didn't fit into the closet that was bigger inside than one would've thought from the outside.

'Probably, no, most likely enchanted,' he thought amused.

It took Draco two and a half hours to finish unpacking and he had turned the room into Slytherin colours. He choose dark green for the carpet, silver and light green for the walls. The bedsheets were black now, the covers silver and green.

Draco put his posters onto the walls as well. That was one thing he was hardly ever allowed to do earlier in his life. He knew that 'his' team was a pretty violent one but Draco just loved the 'Falmouth Falcons'. His Slytherin Quidditch gear hung on it's place next to the closet.

Now it was around six in the afternoon and he was getting hungry because he hadn't had much for lunch as he had been too nervous to eat. Draco was about to call for Mikie but before he could utter a word the elf stood right before him.

"Master Draco, Master Sirius has asked Mikie to tell you that dinner is ready. Would you like to come down? Mikie will show you the way," the elf said looking quite afraid and waited for the boy's answer.

"Yes, I'd like dinner. I'm pretty hungry right now. You'll lead me to the dining room?" he asked and the little creature looked much happier then.

The odd pair walked down the hallways in silence. Draco could hear soft laughter ahead of them.

'That must be the dining room then. They seem to have fun, well here goes nothing," Draco said to himself and knocked like he had always done at home.

"Draco? You can come in you know?" he heard Remus say and opened the door. As soon as the duo spotted him they smiled and Sirius said, "There's no need to knock when it's just dinner or any other meal.

Only when we're having guests and you're not supposed to be there it would be wise to knock first. And if you like you can dress yourself in casual clothes. I know that Carya will often only wear shorts and t-shirts when we're alone."

Draco smiled. He already liked both of them. It certainly wasn't like him to trust that easily but he could tell that these two meant well with him.

Dinner was a quiet affair. All three were kind of lost in their own thoughts and therefore didn't talk much. Near the end of dinner Draco spoke up and asked something.

"Eh, Sirius? Is it possible to go flying outside? I mean, are there muggles nearby or something like that?" the boy wanted to know.

Sirius just smiled. He had already waited for that kind of question.

"No need to worry, Draco. This place is quite secluded. Only a few houses near at all and there are spells to prevent anyone from seeing those in the backyard. Like those 'Notice-me-not-Charms' some of us use when in the Muggle-World," he told the child.

Soon the occupants of Black Manor retired for the night. Draco was still excited but the last few days finally had caught up with him and he fell asleep as soon as his head touched his pillow. When Remus checked on him before he and Sirius went to bed he found the boy asleep.

'He's looking quite cute like that. When his hair isn't slicked back you could mistake him for a fallen angel from those muggle stories Lily always told us about. No wonder little Ginny likes him if she's ever seen him like this.

I'd better go now. Sirius might start looking for me and I don't want to wake Draco up,' Remus thought and quietly left towards the study where he and Sirius would briefly discuss the last day before the twins arrival.

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